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Positive COVID Recovery Signs Mixed with Dire Housing News

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Some qualified good news this week for Massachusetts as hospitalizations for COVID-19 continue to decline. While the U.S. surpassed the rest of the world with more than 2.5 million cases and more than 125,000 deaths, the three-day average of coronavirus daily deaths in Mass. dropped from 161 at the start of May to only 23 last week.

According to research data from COVID Act Now, Massachusetts is one of four states on track to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. Other Northeastern states, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey are also among the top four. New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Rhode Island have been classified as “controlled disease growth.” 

The fact that 1,295 of the state’s roughly 2,000 ICU beds are currently available is a very positive development.

According to the report, the state’s 2,500 contact tracers have been a major contributor in the fight against the virus. “When this level of tracing is coupled with widely available testing, COVID can be contained without restoring lockdowns,” researchers wrote.

Researchers looked at factors including infection rate, positive test rate, available ICU capacity, and contact tracing. 

Governor Charlie Baker had this to say on Tuesday: 

“We’re obviously encouraged by the continued progress we’ve made on many of those public health metrics and we’re going to continue to monitor them. We do believe part of the reason we’ve been successful so far with our reopening strategy is due to the work and the efforts of everybody here in the Commonwealth… Please continue to wear face coverings, practice social distancing, and good hygiene.”

Here are some quick statistics on coronavirus in Mass. according to a report by the Boston Herald:

  • There have so far been 108,667 confirmed cases.

  • More than 90,000 patients have recovered.

  • Coronavirus hospitalizations went down by 21 patients, bringing the state’s COVID-19 hospitalization total to 748. 

  • Statewide hospitalization total has declined by 2,814 since May 5.

  • As of Sunday, there were 134 patients in the ICU.

  • The peak of Massachusetts hospitalizations was 3,965 on April 21. 

  • The three-day average of hospitalizations fell from 3,707 on May 1 to 769.

  • So far the state has tested more than one million residents. 

  • The seven-day weighted average of positive tests has declined from 16.6 percent on May 1 to 2 percent last week.

  • Middlesex County has the most confirmed cases in Massachusetts with 23,915 cases.

  • Suffolk County has the second-highest number of cases with 19,795 cases.

  • 23,399 residents and health care workers at long-term care facilities have contracted the virus.

  • 5,086 of the state’s 8,060 total coronavirus deaths are connected to long-term care facilities.

  • More than 62 percent of COVID-19 victims have been people over 80 years of age, with about 32 percent being in their 60's and 70's, and just over five percent under 60 years of age.

Thousands of Residents Face Potential Evictions

While the coronavirus data in Mass continue to build enthusiasm, not all of the state’s residents are feeling so optimistic. Many communities are facing a surge of evictions. 

Enhanced unemployment benefits and a ban on evictions during the pandemic have helped many renters keep up with payments, however, unless they are renewed those protections will be ending soon putting more than 120,000 households in the state at risk of eviction.

Lisa Owens, executive director of tenants’ rights group City Life/Vida Urbana, says the “situation is looking really dire” and that the state is facing what could be “dramatic levels of homelessness, and neighborhood and citywide instability.”

A disproportionate number of those facing eviction are in black or Latino communities according to a study by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council which claims that the rate of eviction filings in non-subsidized apartments in Roxbury is seven times greater than in Allston/Brighton. “Nearly 90 percent of Roxbury residents are people of color, while Allston/Brighton is 62 percent white,” according to a report in the Boston Globe. 

The Globe’s extensive report includes this ominous statistic:

“Boston infamously has a racial wealth gap that can almost seem like a typo: a median net worth of $247,500 for white households and $8 for Black ones.” 

Rep. Pressley & Sen. Markey Seek to Eliminate Public Transit Fares

The two Massachusetts Democrats, Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Sen. Ed Markey introduced a bill Friday that could eliminate public transportation fees in the Bay State and across the country.

If passed, the bill would create a $5 billion grant program that would not only eliminate fares, but also invest in increased transit access in historically underserved communities. 

Rep. Pressley had this to say in a statement last week:

“Our public transit systems are meant to provide communities with the mobility and freedom to access critical services, but far too many in the Massachusetts 7th and across the country lack reliable, safe, and affordable transit service. By supporting state and local efforts to implement fare-free public transit systems, we can provide low-income workers and families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities with improved access to jobs, education, and medical care, all while simultaneously reducing traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions.” 

Pressley and two-dozen other Democrats also recently sent a letter to House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi calling for a $250 billion fund to support hard-hit public transportation agencies.

The proposed legislation calls for five-year grants to be awarded to municipal, county, and state governments based on their plans to implement fare-free transit. 

Gov. Baker Unveils $275 Million COVID-19 Economic Relief Package 

Mass. Governor Charlie Baker’s administration has announced a $275 million COVID-19 economic recovery package designed to stimulate economic growth in Massachusetts, particularly among underserved communities. The move updates legislation originally filed on March 4, 2020, titled the Act Enabling Partnerships for Growth developed prior to the pandemic.

The package covers three core areas: housing, community development, and business competitiveness, according to the report in Boston Real Estate Times. 

Gov. Baker had this to say in a statement:

“By funding more affordable housing, implementing critical zoning reform, stabilizing neighborhoods, and supporting minority-owned businesses with record levels of funding, these proposed changes will bring critical relief and promote equity across Massachusetts amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We look forward to working with our partners in the Legislature to advance this legislation and give communities, especially those most in need, the tools and support they require to move forward.”

The package proposes to:

  • Amend the scope of several proposed programs, to target funding towards specific communities including those hardest hit by COVID-19

  • Reallocate funding among proposed authorizations, to better address the significant economic impacts of COVID-19 and to help provide a path for recovery, particularly for those most devastated by the pandemic

  • Establish new tools to promote equity and drive economic growth in communities and among businesses facing barriers to entry in areas like state contracting

Cannabis Sales “Lukewarm” in First Week of Reopening

MJBizDaily reports that sales during the first week of reopening of cannabis shops in the Bay State have been “lukewarm” with dispensaries in the state generating $13.6 million for the week of May 25. 

However, the report also states that the figure is up about 60 percent from the same week in 2019. And through the first 12 weeks of 2020, adult-use sales were up by an average of 200% from the previous year.

According to the cannabis industry news source, Massachusetts is “the only state on the East Coast with an operational adult-use industry, which means it generates a significant portion of revenue from out-of-state visitors and tourists,” and “the coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic fallout have put a stop to most recreational travel, likely a key driver of why sales are softer than what would typically be expected.”

More of the Latest Massachusetts News:

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Mass Leads in Unemployment but Potential for Recovery Strong

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Over the past few months, Boston, Massachusetts, and the rest of the nation have endured bad news of historical proportions. However, some good news is starting to emerge. Let’s get right into it. 

Mass. Unemployment Rate Tied for 4th-Highest in US 

Bad news first. We realize that we’ve discussed the unemployment issue quite a bit in recent weeks, however, it continues to plague - if you’ll excuse the expression - the state of Massachusetts, in particular. 

According to federal data, Massachusetts has the 4th highest unemployment rate in the country. Employers added 58,000 jobs in May, doubling any previous month-over-month record dating back to 1990, and setting new records the second month in a row at 16.3 percent unemployment. However, the state is still just one-tenth of the way from gaining back the staggering 646,700 positions lost in April.

According to a report by NBC Boston, April's original estimate of 15.1 percent was the highest in the state since 1976. However, that number was revised up to 16.2 percent. 

According to the report, thirty-eight states saw lower unemployment rates in May than in April. Only three states reported higher unemployment rates than Massachusetts in May. Rhode Island and California are tied with Mass. with 16.3 percent unemployment. 

As we reported last week, the national unemployment rate dropped from 14.7 percent in April to 13.3 percent in May. According to federal data, Job gains last month were led by the construction industry as well as, hospitality and leisure, and health and education.

Boston & Worcester Near Top of List of U.S. Cities with Fastest Rebounds 

And now for some good news. According to analysis from Bloomberg, Worcester and Boston are on course for strong economic rebounds along with Washington D.C., Seattle, and San Francisco. 

Massachusetts’ two largest cities made the top 10 list with San Jose and San Francisco in the number one and number two spots. Boston ranked third and Worcester eighth — higher than New York City, Miami, and Denver.

Bloomberg attributed the good news to the state’s “foundation of education and a strong health care center,” with about 40 colleges and universities and more than 20 hospitals, “along with many of the world’s leading biotech companies.”

Norfolk County Reports Real Estate Market Remains Viable

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell says the county’s real estate market remains viable during the crisis. Other counties in Eastern Mass. are likely in similar condition.

From March 10 through June 12, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds recorded a 13 percent increase in land documents year-over-year. Residential and commercial sales increased 12 percent to $819,725. 

Although real estate sales dropped by 15 percent, mortgages increased 69 percent. 

“The decrease in the number of real estate sales is not surprising considering the ongoing pandemic and its economic impact. Also, real estate brokers and agents have been unable to hold open houses. The spike in mortgage activity is explained by consumers taking advantage of low interest rates to refinance existing mortgages. Based on the words of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, interest rates will not be rising anytime soon.”

Only 29 foreclosure deeds were recorded from March 10 through June 12. 

Read more at Wicked Local

STAG Announces Groundbreaking on Four New Solar Rooftop Systems

STAG Industrial, Inc. has broken ground on four new solar rooftop projects in Massachusetts. Black Bear Energy is facilitating the project and Nautilus Solar Energy, LLC is developing the systems as part of the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Program (SMART).

The four systems in Mass. and one in New Jersey are expected to produce over 10 million kWh of electricity annually — enough to power nearly 1,000 homes.

Nationwide solar projects by STAG now produce over 10 MW of solar. As of March 31, 2020, STAG’s portfolio consisted of 456 buildings in 38 states.

Read all about it in the Boston Real Estate Times.

More of the Latest Massachusetts News

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Unemployment Still on the Rise

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Although the job market is doing better than expected at the national level, unemployment in Massachusetts is rising with 44,732 residents filed for unemployment last week.

According to projections from the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, the Commonwealth will lose more than half a million jobs from April through June. Including the March layoffs during the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, that pushes the state unemployment rate close to 18%.

The foundation also estimates that the total number of unemployed will reach 677,000. Earlier this month, the Pioneer Institute projected that the unemployment rate could rise to 25.4% by June.

Energy jobs have been especially hard hit dropping more than 20,000 jobs by the end of May and things might get worse for the industry. 

The International Energy Agency has projected that energy demand could fall by 6 percent in 2020. That’s seven times the decline after the global financial crisis in 2008. 

According to a report in the Boston Globe: “The unprecedented decline is equivalent to all the energy demand of India, the world’s third-largest energy consumer.”

And to make matters worse, according to a report in Solar Industry Magazine, experts at the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) believe proposed new clean energy regulations in Mass. could have the unintended consequence and result in the cancellation of nearly 80 solar energy projects.

Although the size of the program is doubling under the new regulations as much as 90% of land in Massachusetts will become unavailable for solar panel arrays. The rules are expected to be finalized by July 15.

Some of those jobs are expected to return, but many Mass. businesses are closing their doors indefinitely. 

In an effort to expedite the reopening of the state’s economy, the City of Boston has established a Reopen Boston Fund. The fund is intended to assists businesses in purchasing personal protective equipment and so far, the City has received over 1,000 applications from small business owners.

Boston Real Estate COVID Consortium Launches

A group of Boston-based real estate professionals has formed the Boston Real Estate COVID Consortiumro to promote the sharing of current best practices for adapting to regulatory amendments established to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The Consortium was co-founded by STV|DPM Vice President and Project Executive Denise Pied and Director of Business Development Sandra Gucciardi. 

According to a report in Nerej.com, the multidisciplinary industry team includes “experts from the project management, construction, commercial real estate brokerage, commissioning, code review, design, environmental engineering, technology, and furniture sectors.”

The group has issued the following statement:

“We believe innovative project strategies and checklists around these disciplines will assist our active clients and other real estate leaders in assessing new in-office and remote work requirements as they bring their employees back to work and going forward. The ultimate goal is to develop a ‘toolkit’ of best practice resources that could be rolled out as part of ongoing and new project work. Boston’s Real Estate and A/E/C COVID Consortium is committed to providing relevant, reliable and user-friendly insights on a weekly basis.”

Cannabis Regulators Compiling Legal Cannabis Products Catalog

Mass. cannabis regulators have begun compiling a catalog of the marijuana products being sold at dispensaries in the state. 

Manufacturers and retailers will be asked to provide detailed information on all cannabis products such as THC or CBD levels, serving size, ingredients, and description, plus a photo. The CCC sent out an e-mail to inform all license holders of new fields in the state’s cannabis tracking system. 

The purpose of the project is to give regulators, consumers, parents, and law enforcement a resource they can use to discern between legal and illegal products.

According to Shawn Collins, Executive Director of the Mass. Cannabis Control Commission: “This information is optional, currently, for the licensee for them to assist us in developing this product catalog ... We do anticipate that some of these fields could at some point become a requirement.”

Read more here: Mass. marijuana regulators developing product catalog

Officials say Boston-Springfield Rail Service would Require Federal Assistance 

State officials said Wednesday that a proposed high-speed “east-west” rail service between Boston and Springfield could draw far more riders than previously estimated. 

Prior projections estimated ridership to be anywhere from 36 to 800-plus per day. On Wednesday, Mass. Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack said, based on new estimates, ridership could be four to five times higher than originally projected. 

However, Pollack added that “even those ridership levels may not be enough for the multi-billion dollar project to qualify for federal funding, said state,” and that the project might never see the light of day without federal assistance.

Advocates for the future rail service argue that it would “allow workers to live further out in more affordable regions and still commute into Boston, while also boosting the economies of Western Massachusetts,” according to the report.

MassDOT estimates that improving rail service along existing tracks will cost $2 billion, while an electric high-speed line will cost upwards of $25 billion.

The Baker administration is now studying the feasibility of the project.

More of the Latest Massachusetts News

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Getting Back to Business

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Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is watching coronavirus metrics closely as offices in Boston are being permitted to reopen this third week of Phase 1 reopening plan. 

Mayor Walsh said this week at a press conference, “The data tells us that we continue to move in the right direction, and we have met the initial benchmarks that we set moving forward in the gradual reopening.” 

At the peak of the outbreak, according to the press release, local intensive care units were operating at 120% capacity but that the number of live cases has dropped to 81 percent — four points lower than target.

Most offices in the state were permitted to open at 25 percent capacity last week. However, according to the Boston Globe, “the city’s central business district still looked more like a ghost town than a boomtown.”

Part of the reason for the slow return is that reopening offices safely “requires fairly extensive measures, from deep cleaning and reconfiguring office traffic patterns to ordering personal protective equipment for employees.”

Business Insider has more on this story as does WCVB News.

Phase 2 of reopening plans could begin next week. Meanwhile, Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration has said the decision will be made over the weekend, and that Phase 2 could conceivably begin on Monday, June 8. 

Massachusetts Post-COVID-19 Transportation Outlook

Data in a new survey published this week by MassINC Polling suggests that residents are planning to travel less than they did before the coronavirus crisis began. 

Nearly 1,500 Mass. residents participated in the poll between May 5 and May 13. Overall, the poll suggests that commuters are shifting away from group modes of transportation such as shuttles and carpooling, and toward driving, biking, or walking. 

According to the report, more than one-third of Mass. residents said they will ride the MBTA subway, commuter rail, and buses less than before the outbreak — even after the pandemic has subsided. 

Here are some quick stats from the poll’s findings:

  • 38% of participants said they will walk more.

  • 28% said they will drive alone in their car.

  • 19% said they will ride a bike more.

  • 8% said they will use Uber or Lyft.

  • 36% said they would ride buses less.

  • 35% said they would ride the MBTA subway less often.

  • 33% said they would ride the MBTA Commuter Rail less often.

  • 44% said they would take fewer trips than before.

  • 41% said they would take roughly the same number of trips.

  • 43% of 18-to-29-year-olds said they planned to drive alone more often and take the MBTA subway less often.

  • 60% said they have been able to work from home during the outbreak.

  • 41% percent said they would prefer to keep working from home.

  • 77% said they were either “not too comfortable” or “not comfortable at all” taking public transportation during rush hour.

Nearly 60% of participants said that the state needs to make “big changes to the transportation system coming out of the crisis,” such as more social distancing and less overcrowding. And half of subway and bus riders said they will walk more often. The poll also suggests that people will be making fewer trips in general. 

The MBTA has already reduced the number of passengers allowed on buses and trains. Buses that previously allowed up to 58 people are now considered “crowded” with only 20 passengers. However, at these levels, as more people get back to business, in the state more services would be required. 

The project was sponsored by The Barr Foundation.

The Boston Globe has more on this story.

Tech CU Expands $2 Billion Solar Power Deal with Fintech

San Jose, Calif.-based Tech Credit Union, and New York City-based Sunlight Financial have announced they will loan more than $2 billion to install solar power systems in more than 80,000 homes.

The two companies have so far financed more than 50,000 home solar projects since the partnership began in September 2015 and had funded more than $1 billion in residential solar loans. Furthermore, nationwide, one in five residential solar loans written in 2019 is with Sunlight Financial.

President and CEO of Tech CU, Todd Harris, had this to say in a prepared statement Tuesday:

“We’re excited to expand our partnership with Sunlight Financial, our first and longest-standing strategic relationship. Over the years, Tech CU and Sunlight Financial have built a strong partnership and we look forward to continuing that tradition while accelerating America’s transition to renewable energy.”

Tech CU also recently announced plans to invest $1 billion in financing for residential solar loans in a completely separate partnership with solar solutions company SunPower.

Attorney General Calls for Plan to Transition Away from Natural Gas

Attorney General Maura Healey has petitioned the Department of Public Utilities to investigate ways that the state’s power utilities might transition away from natural gas to net-zero carbon technologies in order to meet the state’s goal of zero carbon emissions by 2050.

According to the petition:

“As electrification and decarbonization of heating increases, the Commonwealth’s natural gas demand and usage from thermal heating requirements will decline substantially and could be near zero by 2050. As the Commonwealth reduces its fossil fuel consumption, the Department should establish a consistent regulatory framework that protects customers and maintains reliability and safety during the transition.”

According to a post by Commonwealth Magazine, president and CEO of the Northeast Gas Association, Tom Kiley downplayed concerns saying he was aware of the petition but hadn’t seen it while claiming that the industry is “on the upswing.”

According to Kiley, whose association represents the industry in nine states in the region, the Northeast added 1,200 megawatts of natural gas-fired power plants last year. Furthermore, 52 percent of homes in the region heat their homes with natural gas and that which currently costs $1.61 per million BTUs, compared to $13.65 in mid-June 2008.

According to the petition, California and New York have already launched similar investigations.

Read more at Reuters.

Boston’s Marijuana Shop Loses $100,000 Worth of Inventory During Protests

About $100,000 worth of marijuana was stolen from Pure Oasis, a recreational cannabis shop in Dorchester, on Sunday night, according to WBZ and MassLive.com. Although the crime has been deemed to be the result of “looting,” protests in response to the death of George Floyd, were largely peaceful (although there were 53 arrests) suggesting the thieves were using demonstrations as cover.

Security footage obtained by the Globe shows a steady stream of the thieves running through the dispensary with armfuls of product. The video can be viewed here.

More of the Latest Massachusetts News

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Massachusetts Attempts To Turn The Page

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Boston Mayor Marty Walsh has formed an economic reopening advisory board similar to the state advisory panel formed by Governor Charlie Baker. 

The 27-member bench includes some big-name executives as well labor, education, and religious leaders met for its first virtual brainstorming session last Friday. 

Mayor Walsh has been more cautious than Gov. Baker on reopening plans and has been critical of some of the state’s strategies such as the 25 percent capacity for offices. Walsh says although that might be fine for the rest of the state it’s probably too soon for Boston’s crowded downtown area. 

Read more at the Boston Globe: Mayor Marty Walsh appoints group of advisers to help Boston reopen its economy 

Restaurant, Hotel & Tourism Group Outlines Reopening Plans

Tourism and dining are a big part of Boston’s economy as well as the state of Massachusetts as a whole. The industry and its workforce have been especially hard hit over the past few months due to coronavirus-induced restrictions. 

The state is working to strike the right balance between getting the wheels back in motion and not accelerating too quickly. A special panel has been formed to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. The group has been working to develop safety guidelines and rules for reopening. 

Last week we covered some of the details of the state’s four-phase reopening plan.

Restaurants and hotels are scheduled to open in Phase 2. Most tourist attractions such as casinos, museums, stadiums, and performance venues are scheduled to open in Phase 3 or Phase 4. An opening schedule is still being determined for historical sites.

According to a report by Boston.com, members of the panel include:

  • Jonathan Butler, President and CEO at 1Berkshire

  • Steve DiFillippo, CEO at Davio’s

  • Ed Kane, Principal at Big Night Entertainment Group

  • Bob Luz, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Restaurant Association

  • Wendy Northcross, CEO at Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce

  • Martha Sheridan, President and CEO at Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau

A Phase 2 date has yet to be determined, however, the board has suggested that there might be three weeks of separation between Phase 1 and Phase 2. 

Safety guidelines set in place for restaurants will follow guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control. Rules require six feet of separation between tables and a maximum of 10 diners per party.

Also, according to Bob Luz of the Mass. Restaurant Association: “There’s going to be good signage, there’s going to be a lot of hand washing, there’s going to be masks on employees to start — all those good things that I don’t think is going to shock anybody.”

And on a side note, as we mentioned last week, recreational cannabis dispensaries are now open in the state and are expected to draw tourists from neighboring states.

RMV Softens Deadlines for License and Registration Renewals

The Mass. Registry of Motor Vehicles has extended deadlines for license and registration renewals as well as vehicle safety inspections. The measures are part of the state’s efforts to temporarily reduce the potential for coronavirus transmission. 

Here is the new schedule for drivers license renewals:

  • March, April, May — extended through September

  • June — extended through October

  • July — extended through November

  • August — extended through December

Furthermore, license plates scheduled to expire between March and June now have until the end of July. And inspection stickers expiring between March and May are now good through July.

Visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles website for more information.

Boston Cannabis Board to Meet in June

Boston’s new Cannabis Board has scheduled its first meeting for June. The Board experienced a three-month delay as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Among other tasks, the Board is being tasked with reviewing cannabis business license applications within the city of Boston as well as to create an equity program to offer technical assistance and training for entrepreneurs who belong to communities disproportionately targeted by law enforcement. 

Previous to the formation of the panel, cannabis license applications were screened behind closed doors. This resulted in complaints from applicants that the process was opaque and subject to political favoritism. 

Decisions made by the new Cannabis Board will be made public. 

Read more: Boston Cannabis Board to meet for first time in June

Marathoners Will Not Run for First Time in 124-years

One of Boston’s largest tourist attractions, the world renown Boston Marathon has been cancelled. This is the first time in its 124-year history that the event will not take place according to the report in the Boston Globe. Originally, Mayor Walsh had ordered that the event be postponed until mid-September.

The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest annual marathon and draws more than 30,000 runners from around the world.

According to Mayor Walsh:

“There’s no way to hold this usual race format without bringing large numbers of people into close proximity. While our goal and hope was to make progress in containing the virus and recovering our economy, this kind of event would not be responsible or realistic on Sept. 14, or anytime this year.”

In an interesting twist, Thomas Grilk, chief executive of the Boston Athletic Association said the group will organize a virtual marathon. Under the proposed plan, runners will be required to complete a 26.2-mile run within a six-hour period and present proof of their time. Participating runners will receive an official race program, T-shirt, medal, and runner’s bib.

The event is tentatively scheduled to take place between Sept. 7 and Sept. 14.

More of the Latest Massachusetts News

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A Cautious Restart

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House Speaker Robert DeLeo has laid out a to-do list for the state Legislature including bills related to transportation revenue, a review of the state’s budget, and a plan to boost the struggling restaurant sector, among other topics.

But, working out a new budget plan is going to be tricky. According to a report in the Boston Globe:

“Last week, the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation estimated that state tax revenues will fall by $6 billion, or nearly 20 percent, in the next fiscal year, from the revenue outlook that state leaders established in January. DeLeo conceded that the Legislature will likely tap into the state’s $3.5 billion rainy day fund, but he doesn’t want to draw down too much and put the state’s credit ratings at risk.”

New additions to the budget are expected to include a $2 million fund for restaurant recovery. 

Lawmakers have also been targeting an upgrade to telemedicine legislation to ensure “extensive insurance coverage for ‘virtual’ doctor visits, similar to what’s available for in-person visits” as a result of telemedicine becoming an integral part of the post-COVID-19 world. 

Read more on these stories here: DeLeo plans to prioritize transportation, budget, small business

Boston Roads Making Room for Walkways, Bike Lanes & Buses

Boston transportation officials are discussing the possibility of converting some of the real estate on the state’s roadways into bike and bus lanes and walkways.

The city is considering four approaches to extend sidewalks into streets, according to Jacob Wessel, Boston’s public realm director.

These measures are an attempt to facilitate ongoing social distancing.

Read all about it here: Boston eyes turning roads into walkways, bus and bike lanes during coronavirus crisis

Boston Researchers Onto Potential Coronavirus Vaccine

Researchers at Boston's Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center are working on two promising coronavirus vaccine candidates which have both provided immunity to laboratory monkeys. 

A working vaccine is widely seen as necessary for life to return to something resembling what it was before the COVID-19 pandemic

According to the report by NBC Boston:

“In one study, researchers infected 35 adult rhesus macaque monkeys with the new coronavirus, known as SARS-CoV-2. Twenty-five of them had been given potential vaccines, according to a news release from the hospital, and that group showed much lower levels of the virus than the 10 monkeys that weren't vaccinated. In fact, the virus couldn't be detected at all in eight of the vaccinated monkeys.”

The monkeys in the study showed evidence of having developed "natural protective immunity" against COVID-19 when infected a second time.

Oregon Health & Science University vaccine researcher Dr. Louis Picker told The Boston Globe that the two studies “convinced me that this is an infection that will be controllable with vaccination.”

The complete news report can be found here: Boston Researchers Find That Vaccines Protect Against Coronavirus, at Least in Monkeys

Some Businesses Scheduled for Reopening

Gov. Charlie Baker has provided some details of his four-phase plan to reopen Massachusetts. The governor’s office released a report breaking down schedules and rules for reopening. 

“Phase 1” includes construction and places of worship. Later phases will include bars, movie theaters, and casinos. 

According to the report rules will include mandatory workplace safety standards. Currently open businesses providing essential services have until May 25 to comply with the new standards.

No dates have been assigned for the launch of phases 2, 3, or 4. There will be “at least three weeks” between phases. Nonessential offices in Boston will remain closed until a week after the rest of the businesses in the state.

Here is the list of when businesses are allowed to reopen in Massachusetts.

Boston’s Governor Marty Walsh has made it clear that he is not comfortable with the plan’s 25 percent capacity limit. 

According to a report at Boston.com, Walsh said he is “personally not comfortable with the 25 percent number, to be quite honest with you. And we’re looking at it now,” adding, “25 percent, the first day, is too much.” 

Walsh also expressed concern that the number of residents returning to work could overtax the city’s emergency child care centers.

Gov. Walsh says that the pandemic could last 8 months to a year. 

Recreational Cannabis Restarting with Curbside Pickup

After being closed for two months, Mass. Recreational marijuana shops will be permitted to reopen Monday, May 25. However customers will not be allowed inside. 

Under the rules, all shops that opt to reopen must offer curbside pickup. for curbside pickup. For how long, we don’t know.

According to a report in the Boston Globe, “busy streets and limited parking options have forced company owners to find unique solutions to curbside pickup, creating at-the-door and order-ahead procedures to make the reopening process run smoothly.”

Read the report here: Here’s what curbside recreational marijuana sales will look like at Boston-area pot shops

More of the Latest Massachusetts News

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Silver Lining Begins to Appear for Mass Residents

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Yes, coronavirus still dominates the news in Massachusetts and across the globe. You’re probably already aware that there are now more than 80,000 cases of COVID-19 in the Bay State and more than 5,000 deaths according to health officials. And the most recent models predict total deaths in Mass. due to COVID-19 to increase by 50 percent over the next four weeks approaching 8,000 by mid June.

Meanwhile, closures in the state have resulted in more than 1 million unemployment claims in Mass. since March 15. That’s more than one quarter of the state’s entire labor force.

Some good news is starting to percolate up, however. 

First, Governor Charlie Baker has announced plans to significantly increase testing for coronavirus in Mass. We’re not talking about incremental increases. The governor claims that the proposed plans will increase testing in Mass. to the highest per capita testing rate in the world with upwards of 45,000 tests per day by the end of July and 75,000 per day by the end of December.

Currently, the state has the capacity to test around 35,000 residents per day. And as of the middle of this past week, more than 400,000 people have been tested for the virus.

Moreover, Gov. Baker outlined a four-phase reopening plan for the state. The plan calls for a gradual reopening of the economy beginning as early as May 18.

And there’s more good news. 

According to a report in the Boston Globe, deaths and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 may be trending downward in Massachusetts.

Businesses Express “Guarded Optimism”

The Globe also reports that polls conducted by two business groups in the state are showing “guarded optimism.”  

“No one expects the boom times we enjoyed as recently as a few months ago to return anytime soon,” writes the report’s author. “And few business leaders seem eager to rush their employees back to the office, either, even if Governor Charlie Baker gives the green light on Monday. But most are planning for stable or growing employment, not more job cuts, if these poll results are to be believed.”

The reporter made a point of mentioning that only a small number of respondents come from the retail and hospitality sectors, “two of the hardest hit by the pandemic.”

More than half of the respondents said they are currently operating. And 51 percent of companies that laid off or furloughed employees say they plan to bring all of those employees back.

Source: U.S. Labor Department, Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (Callum Borchers/WBUR)

Residents Experiencing “Quarantine Fatigue”

Travel is also on the rise and Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack attributes the rise in miles traveled by car to a new form of cabin fever.  

"There is a phenomenon that has been dubbed 'quarantine fatigue' in which people are sort of getting tired of being home. This may indicate that we are seeing some quarantine fatigue because we are seeing an uptick in travel even though we have not begun to open the Massachusetts economy."

Travel is still down 50 to 70 percent in Massachusetts according to MassDOT data, says Pollack. 

Maine Regulators Approve Energy Pipeline

Maine regulators have approved a $1 billion utility transmission project that will facilitate the flow of 1,200 megawatts of Canadian hydropower into the New England power grid. We’ve written about this project in previous reports.

Although most of the 145-mile (233-kilometer) power line will follow existing utility corridors, the state will need to clear a 50-mile swath of wilderness owned by Central Maine Power in western Maine.

According to the report, under the proposed plan, “the Department of Environmental Protection’s permit requires Central Maine Power to take measures to mitigate the visual and wildlife impact, and to permanently conserve 40,000 acres to offset the environmental impacts,” adding that the permit also requires “nearly $1.9 million for culvert replacement projects, the conservation of 700 acres of deer wintering habitat, and a prohibition on herbicides.”

Supporters of the project say it will “reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions and stabilize electricity costs across the region — at no cost to Mainers.”

Critics, however, say “the environmental benefits are overstated and the project would do irrevocable harm to a large swath of Maine wilderness.”

Mass. Inches Closer to Recreational Cannabis Delivery

As we’ve also been reporting for several weeks now, recreational marijuana dispensaries in Massachusetts have been shuttered during coronavirus outbreak. However, state officials have announced that they will soon be permitting home delivery of recreational cannabis products in Mass.

According to a report in the Globe, the Cannabis Control Commission will make delivery license applications available starting May 28. 

Applications will be available to third-party delivery operations as well as “marijuana micro-businesses hoping to deliver their own product.” 

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High Unemployment and Infection Rates Showing Signs of Leveling Off

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Unemployment claims continue to rise in Massachusetts, but that trend is slowing. More than 55,000 new claims were filed for the week ending May 2, down from more than 70,000 the week prior. That is according to a report published Thursday by the U.S. Department of Labor.

State health officials recently announced 132 new coronavirus-related deaths in Mass., bringing the death toll to 4,552. So far there have been more than 73,000 confirmed coronavirus cases in the state. 

Meanwhile, stay-at-home orders in Mass. have been extended to May 18, with all nonessential businesses to remain closed until then. Although hospitalizations have begun to plateau, the state “still hasn’t seen the declines needed to ease up on social distancing and other steps the state has taken,” Baker said at a press conference. “You need to see downward trends,” he said.

Nationwide, more than three million Americans filed for unemployment benefits in the past week pushing the total up over 33.5 million. That’s one in five Americans newly unemployed. 

The explosion in unemployment comes less than 60 days since nationwide unemployment had reached a 50-year low of just 3.5%.

WCVB news has more on this story.

Cannabis Operations on the Verge of Reopening

Mass. seems to be on the verge of permitting the reopening of recreational cannabis shops in the state — as soon as Gov. Charlie Baker gets on board. 

Regulators in the state are confident this can be done safely by “employing curbside pickup, appointment-only shopping, and other similar measures adopted by retailers that have remained open,” according to a report in the Boston Globe.  

The Mass. Cannabis Commission says it will monitor dispensaries to enforce social distancing rules.

Massachusetts is the only state with a recreational marijuana market to have shuttered its dispensaries. This has led to an existential crisis for many license holders as cannabis concerns are ineligible for federal bailouts. However, the state is working on a potential coronavirus-relief program specifically for Mass. cannabis businesses.

According to ELEVATE Northeast executive director, Beth Waterfall, the creation of a Massachusetts PPP loan for cannabis businesses such as hers “would be a momentous step in the right direction to remedy the inequity that legal, tax-paying cannabis-related businesses like mine are facing during the COVID-19 crisis,” 

Mass Could Lead Clean Energy Revolution with Investment in Fusion R&D

A report by Commonwealth Magazine guest contributor Edward M Murphy, says it’s time for Massachusetts to step up its support of clean energy R&D — in particular, fusion energy — in the same manner as it has with the Mass. Life Sciences Initiative which infused $1.6 billion into biotech research in the state. 

Murphy writes: 

“In 2008, Massachusetts enacted a Life Sciences Initiative which offered to spend $1 billion in support of evolving biotechnology. That initiative helped the extraordinary growth of companies that have made Massachusetts a global leader in biotech and have enhanced the state’s economy. In 2018, the state renewed that commitment with an additional $623 million to help further accelerate life sciences. Many of those companies are now working to help solve the COVID-19 crisis.

“It is timely for Massachusetts government and business leadership to consider a similar initiative for the development of the clean, limitless, and inexpensive energy that fusion may produce. Success is not yet certain, but it is now probable and it can change the world”

Murphy, who recently retired as CEO and chairman of one of the country’s largest providers of services to people with disabilities, had worked in state government from 1979-1995 as the commissioner of the Department of Youth Services, commissioner of the Department of Mental Health, and executive director of the Health and Educational Facilities Authority. 

According to Murphy, “Massachusetts has the educational institutions, research facilities, entrepreneurs, and talent pool to become the leader of fusion development and to concentrate significant aspects of the industry here.” 

“Success would reinforce the state’s historical role of innovative breakthroughs, create more jobs,” says Murphy, “and would help preserve US technological leadership in what will likely be the most impactful innovation of the 21st Century.”

Read, “Can Mass. launch the fusion revolution?,” at Commonwealth Magazine. 

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